The Japanese Film Festival (JFF) is back in SM City Davao with a fresh lineup of amazing Japanese movies for free admission at SM Cinema 3 on February 21 to March 2.
Presented by the Japan Foundation, Manila, JFF was launched in 1997 and has grown to become one of the most anticipated film festivals in the country, attracting over 40,000 cinema goers during last year’s run. JFF 2025 has an exciting lineup of films that will have something for everyone; from heart-thumping anime adventures to kilig-filled romantic comedies, and even blockbuster monster epics.
“In Zen Buddhism there is a word satori which means a sudden awakening or enlightenment,” says festival director Yojiro Tanaka. “Satori is the perfect word to describe this year’s lineup of films, whether it’s the profound awakening of the characters in the movie or the feeling that the audience will get after watching. We hope that the audience will enjoy what we have prepared, and at the same time spark something new in them.”
Opening the festival is the Academy Award® winning movie Godzilla Minus One (2023), hailed by many reviewers and legions of worldwide fans as one of the best Godzilla movies of all time. Directed by renowned Japanese filmmaker Takashi Yamazaki, the film features both poignant storytelling, and awe-inspiring visuals that is best enjoyed on the big screen.
Another notable inclusion in this year’s lineup is Sand Land (2023), the pinnacle of the Akira Toriyama universe. Creator of the legendary Dragon Ball series, Akira Toriyama sadly passed away in 2024 leaving a monumental legacy in the world of anime and manga. Sand Land (2023) is one of his best works with some praising it as a “masterpiece of utter perfection.” This film is the long-awaited movie adaptation of the manga that condenses Akira Toriyama’s full-blown world of unique, humorous, and friendly characters, mechanical design, wrapped in an expertly written adventure story.
Audiences can also look forward to the best and latest movies straight from Japan including Perfect Days (2023), Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle (2024), Let’s Go Karaoke! (2024), Matched (2024), and the recently remastered version of the animated cult-classic Akira (1988).
JFF 2025 kicked off in Manila at the Shangri-La Red Carpet Cinema on January 30 and will continue into the regions. The regional run started on February 7 in SM City Baguio, and continued on February 14 at SM City Iloilo and SM Seaside Cebu. The JFF’s final run will start February 21 at SM City Davao, as well as returning to Manila on the same date at the SM City North EDSA.
JFF 2025 is supported by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, JT International (Philippines) Inc., and the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.
Admission is free for all screenings but a convenience fee may apply for tickets procured online. Walk-in guests are welcome if seats are still unoccupied. Please bear in mind that seats are limited and are not guaranteed. Please visit the official JFF 2025 website for complete ticketing guidelines.
For more information on the festival’s full film lineup, ticketing guidelines, and complete screening schedules, please visit www.japanesefilmfestph.jfmo.org.ph or follow the Japan Foundation, Manila and JFF on social media.
